A mascot no more, Mills keys third quarter surge

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills celebrates in the team's lockeroom after winning the NBA Championship against the Miami Heat at the AT&T Center, Sunday, June 15, 2014.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills celebrates in the team's lockeroom after winning the NBA Championship against the Miami Heat at the AT&T Center, Sunday, June 15, 2014.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills holds the trophy after Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat as San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard, Cory Joseph, Matt Bonner, and Boris Diaw looks on Sunday June 15, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 104-87. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills holds the trophy after Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat as San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard, Cory Joseph, Matt Bonner, and Boris Diaw looks on Sunday June 15, ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili and Patty Mills celebrate late in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat Sunday June 15, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili and Patty Mills celebrate late in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat Sunday June 15, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills reacts after hitting a three pointer against the Miami Heat in the second half of Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals at the AT&T Center on Sunday, June 15, 2014. (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News) less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills reacts after hitting a three pointer against the Miami Heat in the second half of Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals at the AT&T Center on Sunday, June 15, 2014. (Kin Man Hui/San ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills takes a shot against Miami Heat's LeBron James in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals at the AT&T Center on Sunday, June 15, 2014. (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills takes a shot against Miami Heat's LeBron James in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals at the AT&T Center on Sunday, June 15, 2014. (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots around Miami Heat's LeBron James in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals Sunday June 15, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 104-87.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots around Miami Heat's LeBron James in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals Sunday June 15, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 104-87.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills goes for the layup past Miami Heat's LeBron James during first half action in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals Sunday June 15, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills goes for the layup past Miami Heat's LeBron James during first half action in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals Sunday June 15, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots over Miami Heat's Mario Chalmers during first half action in Game 4 of the 2014 NBA Finals Thursday June 12, 2014 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Fla.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots over Miami Heat's Mario Chalmers during first half action in Game 4 of the 2014 NBA Finals Thursday June 12, 2014 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Fla.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills and Miami Heat's Chris Bosh chase after a loose ball in Game 3 of the NBA Finals Tuesday June 10, 2014 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Fla.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills and Miami Heat's Chris Bosh chase after a loose ball in Game 3 of the NBA Finals Tuesday June 10, 2014 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Fla.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills drives around Oklahoma City Thunder's Steven Adams during second half action of Game 2 in the Western Conference Finals Wednesday May 21, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 112-77. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills drives around Oklahoma City Thunder's Steven Adams during second half action of Game 2 in the Western Conference Finals Wednesday May 21, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills guards Derek Fisher as the Spurs play the Thunder in the opener of the NBA Western Conference finals at the AT&T Center on May 19, 2014.

Patty Mills guards Derek Fisher as the Spurs play the Thunder in the opener of the NBA Western Conference finals at the AT&T Center on May 19, 2014.

Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills battles Wesley Matthews to the hoop and scores as the Spurs play Portland in game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the AT&T Center on May 14, 2014.

Patty Mills battles Wesley Matthews to the hoop and scores as the Spurs play Portland in game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the AT&T Center on May 14, 2014.

Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills puts up a runner as the Spurs play Portland in game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the AT&T Center on May 14, 2014.

Patty Mills puts up a runner as the Spurs play Portland in game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the AT&T Center on May 14, 2014.

Photo: TOM REEL / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills splits the defense of LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews to get a shot as the Spurs play Portland in game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the AT&T Center on May 14, 2014.

Patty Mills splits the defense of LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews to get a shot as the Spurs play Portland in game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the AT&T Center on May 14, 2014.

Photo: TOM REEL / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots around Portland Trail Blazers' C.J. McCollum during first half action of Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday May 14, 2014 at the AT&T Center. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots around Portland Trail Blazers' C.J. McCollum during first half action of Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday May 14, 2014 at the AT&T ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard looks for room around San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills during first half action of Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday May 14, 2014 at the AT&T Center. less

Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard looks for room around San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills during first half action of Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday May 14, 2014 at the AT&T ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room around Portland Trail Blazers' Wesley Matthews as San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan moves in on the play during second half action of Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday May 14, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 104-82. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room around Portland Trail Blazers' Wesley Matthews as San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan moves in on the play during second half action of Game 5 in the Western Conference ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room around Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard during first half action of Game 4 in the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 12, 2014 at the Moda Center in Portland, OR. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room around Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard during first half action of Game 4 in the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 12, 2014 at the Moda Center in ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills drives around Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard during first half action of Game 3 in the Western Conference semifinals Saturday May 10, 2014 at the Moda Center in Portland, OR. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills drives around Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard during first half action of Game 3 in the Western Conference semifinals Saturday May 10, 2014 at the Moda Center in Portland, ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room between Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard (left) and Mo Williams during second half action of Game 1 in the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday May 6, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 116-92. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room between Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard (left) and Mo Williams during second half action of Game 1 in the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday May 6, 2014 ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills reacts after hitting a 3-pointer during first half action of Game 7 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks Sunday May 4, 2014 at the AT&T Center. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills reacts after hitting a 3-pointer during first half action of Game 7 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks Sunday May 4, 2014 at the ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots between Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki (from left), Shawn Marion, and Wayne Ellington during second half action of Game 7 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs Sunday May 4, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 119-96. The Spurs advance to face Portland in the Western Conference semifinals. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots between Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki (from left), Shawn Marion, and Wayne Ellington during second half action of Game 7 in the first round of the Western Conference ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots between Dallas Mavericks' Wayne Ellington (from left), Shawn Marion, and Dirk Nowitzki during second half action of Game 7 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs Sunday May 4, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 119-96. The Spurs advance to face Portland in the Western Conference semifinals. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots between Dallas Mavericks' Wayne Ellington (from left), Shawn Marion, and Dirk Nowitzki during second half action of Game 7 in the first round of the Western Conference ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots between Dallas Mavericks' Jose Calderon and DeJuan Blair during the second half of game six in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Friday, May 2, 2014. The Mavericks won 113-111 to even the series at 3-3. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots between Dallas Mavericks' Jose Calderon and DeJuan Blair during the second half of game six in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs at the American Airlines ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills steals the ball from Dallas Mavericks' Devin Harris during the second half of game four in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Monday, April 28, 2014. The Spurs won 93-89 to tie the series 2-2. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills steals the ball from Dallas Mavericks' Devin Harris during the second half of game four in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs at the American Airlines Center in ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills drives the ball as Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki defends during the first half of game two in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, April 23, 2014. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills drives the ball as Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki defends during the first half of game two in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills snatches a rebound from Los Angeles Lakers' Robert Sacre during the first half at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills snatches a rebound from Los Angeles Lakers' Robert Sacre during the first half at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

Spurs' Patty Mills (08) shoots a three against Phoenix Suns' Eric Bledsoe (02) in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Apr. 11, 2014.

Spurs' Patty Mills (08) shoots a three against Phoenix Suns' Eric Bledsoe (02) in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Apr. 11, 2014.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs' Patty Mills (08) attempts a shot against Phoenix Suns' Ish Smith (03) in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Apr. 11, 2014.

Spurs' Patty Mills (08) attempts a shot against Phoenix Suns' Ish Smith (03) in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Apr. 11, 2014.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills gets a rebound as Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Miller, front, and Ed Davis watch during the first half at the AT&T Center, Sunday, April 6, 2014.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills gets a rebound as Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Miller, front, and Ed Davis watch during the first half at the AT&T Center, Sunday, April 6, 2014.

Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs' Patty Mills (08) hoists a three against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2014. Spurs defeated the Warriors, 111-90.

Spurs' Patty Mills (08) hoists a three against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2014. Spurs defeated the Warriors, 111-90.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half, Saturday March 29, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs kept a steady lead throughout the entire game and won 96-80.

Patty Mills takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half, Saturday March 29, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs kept a steady lead throughout the entire game and won 96-80.

Photo: Julysa Sosa / For the San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills heads up court during second half action against the 76ers Monday March 24, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 113-91.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills heads up court during second half action against the 76ers Monday March 24, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 113-91.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots a 3-pointers during first half action against the Utah Jazz Sunday March 16, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots a 3-pointers during first half action against the Utah Jazz Sunday March 16, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots around Orlando Magic's Ronnie Price during first half action Saturday March 8, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills shoots around Orlando Magic's Ronnie Price during first half action Saturday March 8, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room between Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade (left), Norris Cole, and Michael Beasley during second half action Thursday March 6, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 111-87. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room between Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade (left), Norris Cole, and Michael Beasley during second half action Thursday March 6, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills drives around Dallas Mavericks' Jose Calderon during first half action Sunday March 2, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills drives around Dallas Mavericks' Jose Calderon during first half action Sunday March 2, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills (8) of the San Antonio Spurs lays up the ball as Will Bynum of the Detroit Pistons defends during NBA action in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

Patty Mills (8) of the San Antonio Spurs lays up the ball as Will Bynum of the Detroit Pistons defends during NBA action in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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Guard Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass during second-half NBA action against Detroit in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

Guard Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass during second-half NBA action against Detroit in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills reacts after hitting a 3-pointer during second half action against the Sacramento Kings Saturday Feb. 1, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 95-93.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills reacts after hitting a 3-pointer during second half action against the Sacramento Kings Saturday Feb. 1, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 95-93.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room around Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton during second half action Sunday Jan. 19, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 110-82.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks for room around Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton during second half action Sunday Jan. 19, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 110-82.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills (8) of the San Antonio Spurs attempts to save a ball from going out of bounds by the team's bench during second-half NBA action against the Portland Trailblazers in the AT&T Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2014. The Trailblazers won, 109-100. less

Patty Mills (8) of the San Antonio Spurs attempts to save a ball from going out of bounds by the team's bench during second-half NBA action against the Portland Trailblazers in the AT&T Center on Friday, Jan. ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs saves the ball from going out of bounds during second-half NBA action against the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. The Spurs won the game, 112-90. less

Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs saves the ball from going out of bounds during second-half NBA action against the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. The Spurs won the game, ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills (8), of Australia, attempts to save a loose ball that was going out of bounds during NBA action against the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. Mills committed a turnover on the play. less

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills (8), of Australia, attempts to save a loose ball that was going out of bounds during NBA action against the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. Mills ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs' Patty Mills (08) drives for a layup against Brooklyn Nets' Shaun Livingston (14) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. Spurs win 113-92.

Spurs' Patty Mills (08) drives for a layup against Brooklyn Nets' Shaun Livingston (14) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. Spurs win 113-92.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks to pass around Sacramento Kings' Isaiah Thomas during second half action Sunday Dec. 29, 2013 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 112-104.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills looks to pass around Sacramento Kings' Isaiah Thomas during second half action Sunday Dec. 29, 2013 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 112-104.

Spurs' Patty Mills (08) takes a three-point shot attempt against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013.

Spurs' Patty Mills (08) takes a three-point shot attempt against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills watches as his three-point shot goes through the net during NBA action in the AT&T Center on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013.

San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills watches as his three-point shot goes through the net during NBA action in the AT&T Center on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs takes the ball from Gerald Wallace of the Boston Celtics during NBA action at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2013.

Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs takes the ball from Gerald Wallace of the Boston Celtics during NBA action at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills gets control of a wild pass as Memphis Grizzlies' Jerryd Bayless chases during the first half at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013.

San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills gets control of a wild pass as Memphis Grizzlies' Jerryd Bayless chases during the first half at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013.

Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs' Patty Mills (08) reacts after sinking a three-pointer joined by teammate Jeff Ayres (11) against the Memphis Grizzlies at the home opener at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013.

Spurs' Patty Mills (08) reacts after sinking a three-pointer joined by teammate Jeff Ayres (11) against the Memphis Grizzlies at the home opener at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

A mascot no more, Mills keys third quarter surge

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In years past, reserve guard Patty Mills likely would have been waving a towel on the bench as the Spurs pulled away in a championship-clinching game.

This season, the spark plug once described as “a little fat ass” by coach Gregg Popovich before his offseason makeover played an integral role, pouring in 14 of his 17 points in the third quarter of their 104-87 victory over Miami in the fifth and last game of the Finals.

The outburst completed a huge season for Mills, in which he not only transformed his body but his career trajectory from mascot to legitimate difference-maker.

“He just caught fire,” teammate Tony Parker said. “When you want to win a championship, your role players have to play well. Patty came in and made some big shots for us in the third quarter.”

Perhaps the most telling indication of Mills’ growth: He shot just 1 for 5 in the first half yet still made an impact with his pesky defense, drawing a charge on Dwyane Wade as the Spurs took the lead for good.

Then came the third, when the enthusiastic little Aussie unleashed one of his patented scoring binges in the span of less than five minutes:

And just like that Miami’s spirit was broken, with the deficit pushed from 12 to 20.

It’s the type of stuff Mills had done for years with the Australian national team, taking as many shots as he wanted, whenever he wanted. But until this season, before which he dropped his body fat under five percent, Mills had yet to earn that kind of respect. Now, with Popovich’s full trust, he has full license to fill.

“When you’re open, Coach Popovich tells me to just let it fly,” said Mills, who averaged 7.3 points and shot 40.5 percent on 3s in the playoffs. “Wen you get a chance, you have to make the most of it.”

The Heat would have killed for such a performance, with Mills outscoring their top two point guards, Mario Chalmers (eight points) and Norris Cole (two), by almost double. The Spurs’ bench produced 23 points overall than Miami’s, the last chapter in a championship season marked by their historic depth.

Mills, 25, is due for a significant pay raise this summer from his $1.3 million as an unrestricted free agent. Given his quantum leap this season, it would be difficult to imagine the Spurs won’t do everything they can to bring back a player who fits their culture so well.

“He’s a special guy,” Popovich said. “His energy has been important to us all year long. He’s a real significant reason why we got to the Finals. That energy, that team sense that he has really has become infectious for everybody.”